Typically thought of as an overflow kitchen, sculleries were common in the past, and are making a resurgence in the home once again. Sounding more like a term used by a pirate, “scullery” may not be a word you’ve heard when it comes to home design, especially since the concept of one is fairly dated. Some older homes may already have one, but more and more designers are incorporating this room into modern design plans because of their functionality. While formerly considered a sign of wealth, having a scullery today isn’t as much of a status symbol as it is an extension of the kitchen and a practical construction decision.

What Exactly Is a Scullery?
A scullery (also referred to as a overflow kitchen) is a small room adjacent to the kitchen, which historically has been used for cooking preparation and clean up. It may also be used for storing kitchenware like plates, bowls, and silverware, plus kitchen gadgets and appliances. It has even been used as a space for other tasks such as laundry and ironing.

Scullery vs. Butler’s Pantry
Sculleries and butler’s pantries serve similar purposes, but there are a few notable differences. A scullery typically serves as a utility space for washing and cleaning kitchen items and is often equipped with a sink. A butler’s pantry is more of a storage and serving area, located between the kitchen and dining room, facilitating the seamless serving of meals.

Scullery vs. Mudroom
While both a scullery and a mudroom are annex rooms and offer storage solutions, the two have a few key differences. A mudroom offers a place to store things like shoes, mail, umbrellas, coats; items that could clutter a formal entryway. In comparison, a scullery is an extension of a kitchen used for cooking and cleaning. Mudrooms, like sculleries, can include a sink, but it is usually used for different purposes, like bathing muddy pets or washing off dirty shoes. Additionally, both mudrooms and sculleries may include laundry appliances and be used for doing laundry.

The two also differ in location: Sculleries are an extension of the main kitchen, while mudrooms are located near the main entry.

Tips for Having a Modern-Day Scullery
If you are thinking of remodeling and adding this useful space, keep these tips in mind for a fully functional, modern scullery:

• Keep It Practical. For a modern scullery, prioritize functionality with a well-equipped, organized space for dishwashing and food preparation. This can mean using the space for cooking to keep your actual kitchen free of mess, especially if you’re entertaining. You can also consider storing your appliances in the space, like blenders, air fryers, and coffee makers, or maybe even having a secondary freezer housed in the scullery for overflow.
• Transform It Into a Home Bar. With the right storage solutions, you can make room for a wine fridge and use existing cabinets to store glasses and flutes. You can also build a liquor cabinet, store gadgets in drawers, and use it for your bar supplies by stashing drink garnishes like olives, herbs, and fruits.
• Incorporate Current Design Trends. Historically, the scullery was only for function, but today, your scullery can be an extension of the design in your main kitchen or have a whole personality of its own. Treat it like any other room in your home: a canvas to add character that is uniquely yours while still incorporating modern design trends that will elevate your space.

Remodeling isn’t just about updating a space—it’s about transforming the way people live in their homes. Whether you’re knocking down walls to open up a floor plan, updating an outdated kitchen, or adding square footage with a new addition, your work makes a lasting impact on your clients’ daily lives.

As a builder, your attention to detail, craftsmanship, and communication are what truly set you apart. Homeowners want someone they can trust—someone who listens, understands their vision, and delivers results that match both style and function. Every successful remodel is a chance to build that trust and grow your reputation through word-of-mouth and referrals.

At Residential Warranty Company, LLC we understand the pride you take in your work. That’s why we offer warranties for remodeling projects—to help you give your clients even more peace of mind once the dust settles. It’s one more way to reinforce the quality and care you put into every project.

Remodeling is more than a job—it’s a partnership with homeowners who are counting on you to bring their vision to life. With the right support and a commitment to excellence, you’re not just remodeling homes—you’re building lasting relationships.

Check out building/warranty/industry news, RWC announcements, upcoming events, etc.

Construction site weather preparation is essential for keeping things safe and on track. Below are a few tips to review with your team to keep your project running smoothly.

• Assess Vulnerabilities - Walk your job site to identify weather risks.
• Stay Updated on Forecasts - Make checking the forecast a daily routine.
• Define Clear Roles and Communication - Ensure everyone knows their responsibilities when bad weather approaches.
• Secure Everything That Can Move - Board up openings to prevent wind and rain damage. Check tie-downs and anchors.
• Manage Water Flow and Pooling - Control where water goes to prevent flooding and minimize damage. Have pumps ready. Cover trenches, and foundation areas.
• Take Care of Your Equipment - Park equipment away from hazards like large trees, unstable slopes, excavation edges, or overhead power lines. Ensure fuel tanks are topped off before a major storm. Cover sensitive electronic components.
• Keep Documents Safe and Supplies Stocked - Protect critical documents like blueprints, permits, contracts, and inspection reports from water damage. Store hard copies in waterproof containers and keep digital copies backed up.
• Dealing with the Aftermath - Carefully inspect the entire site for damage and new hazards before allowing your workers back. Document everything you find with photos and detailed written notes. Evaluate and refine your plan for the future.

Source: abccentraltexas.org

In recent years, tariffs on key construction materials like lumber, steel, and aluminum have presented a growing challenge for the homebuilding industry. From rising material costs to tighter margins, today’s builders must navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape. As these pressures mount, Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC) offers a strategic advantage: structural warranties that reduce risk, add value, and build buyer confidence in uncertain times.

The Tariff Impact: More Than Just Material Costs

Tariffs on imported materials have a domino effect across the housing industry. Builders are seeing:

• Increased construction costs, leading to thinner margins or higher home prices.
• A potential shift toward lower-cost materials or labor, which may introduce higher risk of structural issues.
• Slower housing starts, reducing the volume of homes—and profits—built each year.

These factors don’t just affect your bottom line—they increase your exposure to liability and customer dissatisfaction. That’s where RWC comes in:

1. Shift Risk and Safeguard Your Business

When structural problems arise post-closing, RWC’s warranty coverage helps shield builders from costly repairs and potential litigation. This is especially critical when material quality may be harder to control due to cost constraints. With RWC:

• Structural defects are covered for up to 10 years, giving peace of mind to both you and your buyers.
• You transfer liability for qualifying issues to a trusted third-party warranty provider.

2. Build Buyer Confidence

With interest rates and home prices already high, buyers are more cautious than ever. A structural warranty through RWC can:

• Serve as a powerful marketing tool to help close deals.
• Differentiate your homes from competitors who don’t offer third-party-backed protection.
• Provide reassurance that their investment is protected long after the sale.

3. Maintain Reputation in an Unpredictable Market

Even if you pride yourself on top-tier workmanship, no builder is immune to shifting conditions. If higher costs lead to changes in materials or subcontractors, the chance of structural claims may rise. RWC gives you the ability to:

• Stand behind your product confidently, even as market variables fluctuate.
• Protect your brand from the damage of long-term structural issues.

Residential Warranty Company has over 40 years of experience helping builders manage risk in all kinds of market conditions. With a nationwide network and an understanding of today’s regulatory and economic challenges, RWC is more than just a warranty provider—we're your partner in building smarter and protecting your future.

By Rich McPhee, RWC National Sales Manager

When it comes to innovation in building, the number of new concepts or ideas intended to improve practices or offer unique solutions seem endless. Industrywide, a desire to meet housing demands, a motivation to comply with energy efficiency, and a desire to trim costs, have paved the way for alternative approaches. While growth and change are vital, retaining a healthy dose of concern over future implications is still wise.

That is not to say new concepts or ideas are cause for concern, many hold a tremendous amount of potential. For instance, the uptick in builders leaning into utilizing prefabrication materials or weaving manufactured products into build processes certainly indicates a positive change in mindset. Neither of these factors impede any part of the building process and may potentially reduce time as well as overall costs.

More and more builders are bridging the gap between outdated thinking in favor of out-of-the-box solutions to meet public demand. Many of our manufacturing partners are reporting an increase in requests for Additional Dwelling Units or ADU’s. This concept is allowing families to have additional living space for short-term renting, boomerang children, or aging parents. While these ideas are incredibly marketable and wonderful solutions, it is advisable to remain vigilant in understanding the pitfalls.

Regardless of good intentions, it is important to familiarize yourself with the potential for increased liability, no matter how innocuous it may seem. As an example, adding a complete solar system to increase the demand for greener living may really appeal to your customers and set you apart from competition. While, on the flipside, there may not be coverage in place under your current liability backing leaving you vulnerable to costly repairs or replacements. During the planning phase, prioritizing an understanding of where liability or coverage caps remain helps to alleviate future headaches or frustration.

The pros of implementing new ideas far outweigh the cons and can pave the way for expansion which helps foster a stronger foothold in the future. Tapping into experience starts within, but a strong plan should also include using all the resources at your disposal. Being prepared and educated regarding the presence of loopholes can be made easier by imparting the wisdom of a trusted advisor such as an attorney or builder mentor. In addition to these options, our RWC Representative team and our Integrity Underwriters insurance team are always available and willing to assist with questions.

Ultimately, with a little due-diligence and research, safeguarding against open ended liability or costly mistakes is preventable. Embracing innovation is a remarkable way to increase appeal, stay on top of a changing market, and stand out above the rest.

By Staci Cool, RWC

Read your policy! That’s advice most insurance professionals give, and for good reason. We not only ask you to please read your policy but read it carefully. We know our advice is taken because we’ll get questions like this: “I read my policy and most of it is about what isn’t covered. What’s left?”

There is a reason why there are so many exclusions in your general liability policy. It’s not a stretch to say if general liability doesn’t exclude it, it’s probably covered.* However, these exclusions are not always clear-cut and can impact your business in a significant way. As a prime example, here’s one of the most important exclusions for general contractors.* It is often referred to as the “YOUR WORK EXCLUSION”:

l. Damage To Your Work – “Property damage” to “your work” arising out of it or any part of it and included in the “products-completed operations hazard”. This exclusion does not apply if the damaged work or the work out of which the damage arises was performed on your behalf by a subcontractor. (COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY COVERAGE FORM, CG 00 02 04 13, page 5 of 18)

“Your Work” refers to the homes you build, renovate or add on to. As a general contractor, most if not all of this work is done on your behalf by insured subcontractors. If some defect in their work later causes damage to the home or any part of it, the subcontractors’ general liability insurance will respond first. If the subcontractors’ limits aren’t enough, your policy will pay on an excess basis. This is why the exclusion has this important exception:*

This exclusion does not apply if the damaged work…was performed on your behalf by a subcontractor.

Beware of general liability policies that attach any endorsement removing this exception. Without it, there is little or no coverage for construction defects, a.k.a. products-completed operations claims, if you are a general contractor.

So, what does the “your work exclusion” ACTUALLY exclude? If you have employees that perform any construction work under your supervision, there is no coverage UNLESS this work is scheduled in your policy and an appropriate premium charge is made. This is necessary because work you perform yourself is your first, or primary responsibility. It means that any resulting damage must be covered by your policy first since no subcontractor was involved and therefore, no other policy is available.*

If you would like to discuss your GL coverage needs with a professional insurance agent, call 866-454-2155 or email info@rwcinsuranceadvantage.com. Be safe!

By Doug Davis, RWC Insurance Advantage

*Statements in this article are not intended to modify or replace actual policy language. For a complete explanation of what is covered and 
what is excluded, please refer to your general liability policy, or discuss your coverage with a licensed insurance professional.

Nobody likes paperwork but sometimes it’s a necessity. RWC requires a signed Application for Enrollment* to finalize the warranty and to validate coverage. A home cannot be warranted with RWC until that signed Application for Enrollment is returned with both the homeowner’s and the builder’s signature. Also, payment must be remitted to RWC if not already paid on Warranty Express.

Many builders, and you may be one of them, rely on the closing agent or an attorney to send in the signed application. Unfortunately, sometimes this gets lost in translation and the signed application and maybe even payment is not received by RWC. Sometimes RWC does not receive anything back from the closing agent; sometimes we receive the signed application but no payment; and sometimes we receive payment without the signed application. In these cases, we are not able to validate coverage for your homeowner. Please keep in mind that the signed Application for Enrollment should be sent to RWC within 10 days of settlement.

Why is it so important to return the application signed? In most states signing the Application for Enrollment binds the signees to the terms of the Limited Warranty. Agreeing with the terms of the Limited Warranty means that everyone agrees to binding arbitration. Binding arbitration is a cost effective and efficient resolution process and is preferred by RWC to resolve disputes. Arbitration helps all parties avoid those expensive lawsuits that can eat into profits. RWC and its affiliates are always looking out for the best interests of our builder/members. It is critical that you provide RWC with the settlement date as well as the full final sales price of the home. As you know, some warranties are flat fee (CSW) but some are based upon your rate and the final sales price.

There are a few unique state requirements depending upon where you build. Please note that additional initials are required in Georgia & Tennessee. For California, Minnesota, Missouri and Vermont an additional Addendum is required for the CSW (Customized State Warranties). In New York, a supplemental enrollment form is required for the full 1-2-10 warranties. A contract or deed is required in New Jersey to release the warranty documents.

As the builder you can monitor the progress of your enrollments by running reports on Warranty Express. By going to the “Reports” tab you can see your “Open” enrollments as well as the “Closed” ones. The “Open” enrollments represent those homes that have not been finalized, so they are missing something. You can always call RWC if you have questions, and you can request an open enrollment report. We are happy to assist. RWC is developing improvements to our website to alert you of open enrollments. You should be able to see these upgrades soon.

If the homeowner’s email address is provided, they will be sent an email once the warranty is finalized with instruction on how to secure a copy of their confirmation page and warranty book.

I hope that this provides you with a better understanding of this important document. Please call RWC at 800-247-1812 with any questions. We are eager to help.

By Ron Sweigert, Manager - Member Services Department

*Not applicable for National Accounts.

Life can be funny, and by “funny” we don’t necessarily mean comical. We mean that life can be difficult to explain or understand at times. Life’s road is riddled with unexpected twists and turns. We can be set in a comfortable pattern that we think will last forever, but when we stay that course, and the road unexpectedly twists this way or that, we need to find the better way forward or risk disappointment, sadness, or even calamity.

This truth does not apply just to individuals but also to businesses and specifically to home builders. At RWC, we have a sister company that has been building homes for fifty-three years. Over more than half a century that company has generally thrived but sometimes twists in the road presented challenges that required changed plans, innovative approaches, or simply patience. There were mortgage interest rates exceeding 18% in the eighties. In the nineties the dot.com bubble expanded then burst, causing a feast for builders and then famine. In the first decade of the new century money was easy to borrow. McMansions, like so many mushrooms, popped up in developments across the American landscape. But then came the crash of 2008 and the meltdown in the real estate market.

Just as the homebuilding industry was feeling “normal” again, the Covid pandemic hit, and the market dried up. When the pandemic eased and normalcy returned, builders faced delays, shortages, and price increases in their supply chains. Some builders did not make it through, while others adapted to the new normal and found a way.

Government money paid to people who had lost their jobs or their customers during the pandemic soothed some fears but also triggered another round of inflation. The market stalled. When people regained the mood to start building and buying, builders again faced supply chain problems, and good labor was hard to find at affordable prices. Those problems were mostly resolved, or at least improved, but then interest rates rose, and the market cooled down.

With the start of 2025, the homebuilding industry was poised to prosper. But as we write this, the stock market is tanking, economic uncertainty is gripping the world, and builders are preparing for yet another twist in the road, this one caused by the expected inflation, the possible higher interest rates, and whatever other problems might develop from a prolonged trade war. We don’t have a crystal ball, and maybe these issues will be resolved without affecting the homebuilding market. But even if these concerns disappear, at some time there will certainly be more obstacles, curves, and detours on the road ahead for America’s homebuilders. The question we should always be asking is, “What’s next?” so we can anticipate coming obstacles and react to them early if we want to beat the competition and continue to thrive.

We recently had the pleasure of attending a meeting conducted by John, a builder friend of ours, who talked about how his company is preparing for whatever the future brings. He broke his company’s business down into four parts: getting leads; getting contracts; building the house; and servicing the home and customer after the sale. John recognized the importance of the RWC warranty and our warranty resolution staff in making that fourth part successful no matter what the future holds.

For nearly four decades RWC has provided warranty protection on more than four million homes. We offer a wide variety of warranty options like our standard ten-year warranty, our Day 1 coverage warranty, our extended appliance and system warranties, and our specialty warranties for remodeling projects, detached garages, and commercial construction. Only RWC has developed and offers its members a customized state warranty that mirrors each state’s statute of repose and accommodates other state specific issues. All RWC warranties provide clear performance standards that help create realistic homeowner expectations and provide a road map to resolve even the stickiest customer complaints.

At RWC, every guarantee our warranties make is backed by Western Pacific Mutual Insurance Company, RRG. Western Pacific has an A- rating from A. M. Best and only insures home warranty and similar new home construction risks, like builders’ general liability, which can be offered through the RWC Insurance Advantage program to RWC members. No other warranty company has an insurer with this kind of strength solely dedicated to covering builders and their homes.

Life is funny, you know, and life’s road can be twisted and bumpy. And we are never sure of what challenge is coming next. You will be better able to navigate the road your company is on no matter how that road twists or turns if you take RWC along for the ride and place a RWC warranty on every home you build.

Have a great summer!

Adapted from articles on builderonline.com and nahb.org

Data collection and organization. Design changes. Smart home automation. To be competitive in this challenging market, builders need to make the most of every project opportunity, and artificial intelligence could be a game changer. The possibilities associated with artificial intelligence (AI) are endless as various industries search for ways to implement it into daily tasks. The home building industry is no exception as developers create various solutions to common home builder issues. From the juggling of paperwork and data storage to securing material bids or design plans, startups are arriving with answers to everyday stresses and challenges.

While AI can certainly be a valuable tool, human touch is still needed to not only develop these technologies but see each solution through to completion. Below, learn six ways AI can improve the new-home construction process for builders and their teams.

1. Creating a Home’s Digital Copy
   AI can help organize the build process through room segmentation and data association by ingesting messy build documentation (selections, change orders, etc.), then collecting and organizing everything to create the most accurate representation of the home. AI-enriched file management enables builders to work more efficiently and easily hand off each home’s information to homeowners in a highly organized and interactive digital copy. Users can drop files onto a space on a floor plan enabling spatially associated selections for each room. Additionally, users can store files, that will then be associated with the correct room (e.g., bathroom #1) on the floor plan.
2. Streamlining Bidding and Sourcing
   Procurement software can help builders gather bids, find materials and niche suppliers—including sustainable, minority-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses—order materials on a predictive schedule, and make change orders with a click of a button.
3. Supporting Customers and Sales
   In terms of customer service and sales, AI can help new-home sales teams answer questions through chatbots at all hours of the day. Chatbots (also refered to as digital assistants) can meet buyers wherever they are in their journey—without the pressure of live chat solutions. Home buyers are two to three times more likely to engage with a chatbot versus live chat because of the ability to immediately get answers to their questions. Builders can implement a chatbot to operate autonomously, guiding a buyer until they have indicated that they are interested, at which point a live representative could take over the process.
4. Keeping Jobsites Safe
   AI also plays a significant role in enhancing on-site safety. Construction sites can be monitored in real-time, identifying safety hazards such as workers not wearing protective gear or machinery operating outside safe parameters. AI systems can then alert site managers immediately, helping to prevent accidents and improve overall safety compliance. AI object detection can also recognize specific vehicle types and license plates, handle access control, and verify deliveries for management. AI proximity advisories are also sent when workers are close to energized equipment keeping workers aware of their surroundings and allowing in-person safety site visits the option of remote inspection.
5. Simplifying Interior Design Choices
   To envision how an area will look, AI systems such as Planner 5D can simplify interior design projects by allowing builders or architects to brainstorm ideas without investing excessive time or effort. By uploading a picture of an area, users receive multiple options for a potential space, and it can serve as a collaboration tool between builders, designers, and clients. Once an image is uploaded, users are asked to specify the type of space: a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office, living room, or children's room. Builders or designers can experiment with various formats and see how the space could potentially appear if its functionality were changed. The end results might even inspire users to reconsider the room's layout unexpectedly.
6. Automating Smart Home Tech
   As builders continue adding and prioritizing smart-home solutions in their new-build packages, there’s an increased focus on smart-home technology automation and how AI can help. Some industry professionals foresee “smart power” becoming a bigger part of what drives the smart-home market. It is believed that AI will significantly influence the next wave of smart-home technology. Where current products require manual programming in order to be automated, AI and machine learning have the potential to enable solutions that provide true home automation. This has the potential to be an exciting development in the industry that can adapt and offer efficiencies based on a customer’s habits, usage, and preferences.

The continued development of AI technologies presents an opportunity for the construction sector to fundamentally reimagine its processes and operations. As more companies recognize the value of these tools, the industry will likely see a shift toward more data-driven, efficient, and innovative ways of working, ultimately benefiting both businesses and their clients.